WHL Preseason Wrap-Up and Opening Day Previews

With another slate of exhibition games in the books, and teams across the WHL getting their lineups set for opening night, it's time to look into the first set of regular season contests to open the 2024-25 campaign.

Brandon Wheat Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors

Brandon was one of two teams to go through their pre-season undefeated, outscoring their opponents 18-9. Moose Jaw on the other hand, wasn't so fortunate and ended their run with a 1-3 record. With so many players off at NHL camps, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Warriors took an extra second to get going out of the gate.

Players to watch: Jaxon Jacobson (BDN), Lynden Lakovic (MJ)

Lethbridge Hurricanes vs. Edmonton Oil Kings

While it is still early, Edmonton may have turned the corner sooner than some may have expected. Alberta's capital city finished the preseason with a quite respectable 3-1 record, and outscored opponents 20-14. With Gracyn Sawchyn and Marshall Finnie out of the lineup due to NHL camp, this is a good time for the young guns to step up. As for Lethbridge, they amassed a respectable 2-2 record with veteran Kooper Gisowski leading the way (2 goals, 3 assists in two games).

Players to watch: Joe Iginla (EDM), Kooper Gisowski (LET)

Prince Albert Raiders vs. Regina Pats

This season, as mentioned in our preview, will be one for the youth in Prince Albert. 2008-born Jonah Severtson led the team in pre-season with five goals and six points in five games, along with Daxon Rudolph and Ty Meunier collecting four and three points respectively. On the Pats side, 2025 Draft prospect Cole Temple tallied seven points over four games, and Logan Peskett and Sam Oremba notched five points each.

Players to watch: Daxon Rudolph (PA), Cole Temple (REG)

Swift Current Broncos vs. Saskatoon Blades

Our last Eastern Conference matchup of the night, the Blades will look to regain some depth scoring heading into the regular season. Forward Ben Riche lead all players in scoring with nine points in four games, and Tyler Parr was not far behind with a total of eight. The visiting Broncos will have a new addition in their lineup, dealing Connor Hvidston for Connor Dale from the Calgary Hitmen on Thursday afternoon.

Players to watch: Connor Dale (SC), Brandon Lisowsky (SAS)

Kamloops Blazers vs. Portland Winterhawks

Entering the Western Conference, Kamloops did not lose a game in regulation during the pre-season but did garner an overtime loss. Tommy Lafreniere took the top spot for the Blazers with eight points in just four games. Rookie Jordan Duguay led all Hawks players with five points in five games, with Hudson Darby and Ryan Miller close behind at four.

Players to watch: Jordan Keller (KAM), Jordan Duguay (POR)

Vancouver Giants vs. Seattle Thunderbirds

Two teams who, on paper, should be a lot closer than they were just a season ago, Vancouver hosts Seattle in a heated battle. The Giants prospect pool is beginning to come to fruition, with the likes of Aaron Obobaifo and Brett Olson joining the ranks. In Seattle, the Thunderbirds look to embark on their journey to return to the postseason after missing out in 2024.

Players to watch: Cameron Schmidt (VAN), Matej Pekar (SEA)

Spokane Chiefs vs. Prince George Cougars

Prince George finished comfortably atop the Western Conference in 2023-2024, and are hungry to make a deep run in the playoffs once again. While some important pieces left, there are plenty of returnees and solid prospects to aid that quest. Meanwhile in Spokane, top-ten NHL Draft selection Berkly Catton continues to prove his worth across the WHL.

Players to watch: Joshua Ravensbergen (PG), Berkly Catton (SPO)

Victoria Royals vs. Tri-City Americans

Victoria is eager to show off their improvement over the last couple of seasons, as they claimed one of the final playoff positions in 2023-24. Both teams finished with just one win in the pre-season, but the Royals played three games as opposed to the Americans' five.

Every game on opening night, as well as the rest of the season, can be found at watch.chl.ca.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

One On One With WHL Commissioner Dan Near Ahead Of The 2024-25 Season

2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Swift Current Broncos

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2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Wenatchee Wild

2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Saskatoon Blades